asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the memorandum recently issued by his Department concerning the political rights and activities of Army personnel.

This memorandum does not purport to deal with the political rights and activities of Army personnel generally. It embodies various instructions issued on this subject since the beginning of the war, and covers the concessions announced by me in the Debate on this year's Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill on 31st March last. It also simplifies somewhat the procedure for intending or prospective candidates. Further facilities, especially for those serving overseas, are in process of arrangement in anticipation of the next general election and will be notified in due course.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to place a copy of this memorandum in the Library?

It is already there.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the recent A.C.I., forbidding the signature of public petitions, circulars, and appeals dealing with political matters, implies an interpretation of the relevant paragraphs in King's Regulations more restrictive than previous interpretations; and, if in order to encourage soldiers to take an interest in Parliamentary democracy and in the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship by permitting a reasonable freedom of political action, he will cause this Instruction to be withdrawn.

The answer to both parts of the Question is "No, Sir."

Did not the Prime Minister make it clear in this House last year that soldiers were allowed to write to newspapers signed articles, or letters, even on political matters, so long as these did not contain propaganda for particular parties? Is not this A.C.I. therefore a modification of that position?

I should have thought that was a pretty free translation of what the Prime Minister said.

If I send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of HANSARD containing what the Prime Minister said, will he study it?

I do not think it is necessary. I am quite well aware of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the educational qualifications of an officer of the Royal Corps of Signals who joined the staff of the Education Officer-in-chief M.E.F. last May to organise vocational education in preparation for the demobilisation period; and if this officer is still employed on this work.

Particulars of this appointment are being obtained from the Middle East.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is still a hold-up of the mention of artillery units of the B.L.A. since landing in France; how many units have been mentioned; and will he consider releasing descriptions of actions showing the effect of particular artillery actions as was occasionally done in Africa.

Seven units of the Royal Artillery have so far been released. As my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate, this is a matter for the Supreme Allied Commander. I understand that, provided there are no operational objections, his censors release stories submitted to them of actions in which artillery units have distinguished themselves.

Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to encour- age the issuing of the names of these units, or at any rate to prevent their being unreasonably withheld?

I do not think there can be any excuse for that. I certainly have from time to time communicated with commanders-in-chief, and pressed them to publish as much as possible and not as little as possible.

May I refer my right hon. Friend to the present practice of referring to "X" batteries, and would he not give permission for the publication of these names?

I do not say they should be invariably published. Final decisions on these matters must be left to commanders-in-chief. I do not conceive my part in the matter is anything more than exhorting them to publish as much as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the grant for tropical clothing given to A.T.S. officers going to India and S.E.A.C. does not cover the cost of purchasing the outfit of tropical clothes which his Department advises them to take; and will he take immediate steps to increase this grant to cover the minimum cost.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 7th November.

Does my right hon. Friend think it right that A.T.S. officers going out there should have to pay, out of their own pocket, a substantial sum in order to get the clothes which his Department tells them are necessary in that climate?

As I said before, my Department does not tell them what is necessary, but advises them what it would be useful to take. In any case, if my hon. Friend will refer to my previous answer he will find the reasons given for the present practice.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that only people of private means can volunteer to go to India?

Practically no A.T.S. personnel have been sent to India on British account. A small number have been sent out to help the Government of India, and they come under the Government of India Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now completed his inquiries into the allegations of waste at a reconditioning dump in the South of England, to which his urgent attention was called on 9th October last.

My hon. Friend will by now have received a letter giving him the result of the inquiry which was held into these allegations.

Is the Minister aware that even on the basis of the admission contained in that letter—which I cannot accept as complete—300 bedframes, some card-tables, upholstered easy chairs and at least 75 wooden boxes, complete with locks and each estimated to cost £3 15s. to make, were destroyed? Will he see to it that this sort of thing does not occur again?

The articles destroyed were almost completely unserviceable. I am informed that their possible value was as firewood. It may be that even firewood should have been preserved, but there is no question of anything in the nature of serviceable furniture having been destroyed.

Is the Minister aware that I questioned very thoroughly indeed more than 20 men working at this depot and that their evidence is completely divergent from that which the right hon. Gentleman has given?

That point has, of course, arisen on other occasions. I can only give the information which I obtain from the responsible officers of the unit, through their superior officers.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the percentage of United Kingdom leave places allotted per regiment or battalion to our troops in the C.M.F. or Near East; and over how long a period of time such allotment will be operative.

In his statement on 17th November the Prime Minister said that about 6,000 men a month would come home under this leave scheme. To give the detailed make-up of this figure would enable the enemy to make useful deductions about the strength of our forces overseas. It is left to the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief concerned to make suitable arrangements for choosing the individual men. No term has been fixed for the operation of this scheme but as the Prime Minister pointed out it may have to be stopped or modified for operational reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there is anxiety from those who have got leave for long service from the distant war fronts, such as Burma and India, regarding their future posting; and will he make a statement upon it.

I am not very clear what my hon. Friend has in mind. A man who comes to this country on leave, not on repatriation, returns to the theatre where he came from when his leave is over. But this does not interfere with his right to be repatriated to this country when his time comes. A man who is repatriated is kept in this country for at least three months and is then again liable for service overseas, but only in North-West Europe, not in the more distant theatres.

What I meant by the Question is this: Those men who come on leave, say from Burma or India, are not anxious to go back there without a period somewhere else. I was wondering whether the War Office had made arrangements to send them to some other place.

If they are given leave they go back to their theatre. If they are repatriated, they are at home for some time and then usually go to another front. Leave means that one returns to the theatre from which one came.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the funeral expenses of officers who die on active ser- vice are defrayed by his Department; and whether it makes any difference if the officer dies in India and not in any of the other theatres of operations.

An officer who dies abroad is normally buried under arrangements made by the military authorities at the expense of Army Funds, unless his relatives or other persons concerned prefer to make private arrangements. If private arrangements are made, the cost of the funeral is a charge against the officer's estate under the Regimental Debts Act, 1893, but a grant is allowed from Army Funds towards those expenses. The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India and perhaps my hon. Friend would address a Question to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to improve and extend the entertainment facilities for troops taking part in the Burma campaign, especially by the provision of mobile cinemas; and whether he will arrange for E.N.S.A. shows to be given at Imphal in addition to Calcutta.

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will await the statement which the Prime Minister is making to-morrow on welfare in India and South East Asia Command.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any British troops who are sent to Greece will be limited to volunteers for that service.

No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why men who are conscripted to fight Hitler are now being compelled to fight the Greek people?

The men were conscripted to carry out the orders given to them.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the great mass of the British Army are a civilian Army, with very serious political ideas about what they are fighting the war about?

What action is taken against men who refuse to fight on conscientious grounds?

I prefer not to answer what I believe to be an entirely hypothetical question.

Would it not be a great advantage to have on our side a "sacred battalion" of Tory Fascists?

asked the Secretary of State for War what action was taken in regard to the despatch from the Commander-in-Chief, India, in respect of the first Burma campaign; and what decorations were awarded in accord with his recommendations.

The despatch received careful consideration by all concerned. One hundred and seventy-nine awards and 426 mentions in despatches were approved in respect of these operations, and have been announced in "The London Gazette."

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) when the adjutants of Home Guard battalions will be restored to their units, in view of the fact that the employment for which they were seconded, namely training, has now ceased;

(2) what are the hours of adjutants and quartermasters of Home Guard battalions, in view of the fact that officers commanding companies of Home Guard battalions are busily employed during the day.

Officers commanding Home Guard units direct these officers to carry out their duties for such hours and at such times of the day as are required by the work to be done. The duties of Home Guard adjutants will end on 31st December. They are at present engaged in assisting in the considerable administrative work entailed by the standing down of the Home Guard.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now satisfied that the supply of thick woollen socks to the troops in Italy is adequate; and whether the shortages in the unit, of which he has been advised, reported to him by cable on 11th December, have now been made good.

I received through the British Embassy in Rome peremptory instructions from the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) to send to a certain formation 10,000 pairs of thick socks from England by air. This was somewhat of a surprise to me as I know that there are reserves of thick socks in the theatre amounting to several millions of pairs, and, moreover, unit or formation commanders are usually very ready in asking for stores for their men if they think they are wanted and are available: However, I telegraphed to Italy and received the answer that this formation was well supplied with socks. The hon. Member has informed me that the unit commanders and the formation commander all told him that they were short. Obviously I shall clear up this apparent conflict of testimony as soon as possible. All I can say in the meantime is that I am assured that the holdings of thick socks in Italy were and are ample to provide for this formation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was with the formation in question; that they complained of the shortage, and that they could not get adequate stocks, and that the telegram I sent him was not in the least peremptory, but was most courteous?

Of course standards differ. All I can say is that there is a conflict of testimony, and obviously it will have to be cleared up, and I shall clear it up.

On this question of courtesy, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ambassador drafted the telegram?

I think I had better bring to the notice of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the Ambassador in Rome is sending telegrams at public expense which ought not to be sent at public expense.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into this allegation that our Ambassador in Italy sent a telegram to the War Office regarding military affairs? Is that the function of an Ambassador?

There is no question of allegation about it. The fact is correct that the Ambassador sent, I presume at the instance of the hon. Member for Ipswich, a telegram on military affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for War what length of leave is granted to prisoners of war repatriated from Japanese prison camps.

As I said on 12th December in reply to my hon. Friends the Members for Down (Dr. Little) and Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher) these men are given six weeks' leave when they arrive in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a general statement regarding conditions in Japanese camps; the delivery of parcels to prisoners; and of letters to and from prisoners.

In view of the length of my answer and of the interest hon. Members have taken in this matter I will, with permission, Sir, give it at the end of Questions.

Later—

On 17th November I gave the House an account of the conditions and treatment in prisoner of war camps in Siam during 1942 and 1943 derived from preliminary information obtained from prisoners rescued by the United States Navy from the sea in September last. All the information received from the British prisoners has now been collated and a full account is available in the Vote Office. This account confirms the preliminary statement I made, as well as the more detailed one issued by the Australian Government at the same time, and there is no doubt that the Japanese military authorities decided to construct the railway and road between Siam and Burma with all speed and regardless of the conditions under which the prisoners worked and of the cost in human life.

It is difficult to speak with any certainty of the numbers involved, but the best estimate we are able to make indicates that not less than 60,000 white prisoners, the figure is probably much higher, worked on the railway and road, of whom the great majority were from the United Kingdom or Australia. In addition, many thousands of Asiatics were used and the death rate amongst them was almost certainly much heavier than amongst the white men.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Can we have order while this very important statement is being made?

The hon. Member's question has called attention to the fact that there is a lot of conversation going on round the House and I think it should cease.

As regards the position in Siam after the completion of the railway in October, 1943, careful sifting of the information available shows, I am glad to say, that conditions did improve somewhat. I should make it clear to the House that these conditions are far below anything which would be regarded as reasonable for our prisoners of war in Europe. The men have, however, adapted themselves and become to some extent inured to these lower standards, while many of the conditions which caused such heavy sick and death rates in the jungle camps did not obtain in the rear camps to which the men were withdrawn. As a consequence there was apparently a very marked fall in the death rate and there is evidence to show that, on the whole, the prisoners were enjoying fair health and were in good spirits when the rescued men left Siam about July, 1944. In the rear camps round Banpong their huts were weather-proof, cooking and sanitary arrangements were hygienic, and there was some space and opportunity for exercise. We know that parties have gone from the rear camps to work in various parts of Siam, and we have no direct information regarding living or working conditions in those places. It has been ascertained that some of the limited Red Cross supplies which it has been possible to despatch reached these prisoners in Singapore from Lourenco Marques in 1942, and later, in Siam, supplies reached them from the Swiss Consul, Bangkok, whose funds for this purpose are provided by the British Red Cross War Organisation.

As I previously said, we have asked the Protecting Power to make the strongest possible protest regarding the past conditions in Siam and Burma. As to present conditions, we shall continue to press the Japanese to allow all camps in Siam and elsewhere to be inspected regularly by neutral observers, to make arrangements which will enable the Red Crass to send adequate relief supplies for all our prisoners, to improve the mail service to and from prisoners, and to notify within a reasonable period all casualties, past, present or future, affecting British prisoners of war.

May I repeat what I said to the House last Tuesday? The rescued men have shown themselves very willing and helpful in the long investigation; every scrap of information which they have given about their comrades in captivity or on the sunk transport is being sent to the next-of-kin concerned as soon as it has been sifted and checked. It would be unfair to relatives who have already suffered so much to send them information which had not been so scrutinized. I have great sympathy with the anxiety of relatives and of organisations of prisoners' relatives to speak with these men in person, but the men are few and the relatives concerned are, unfortunately, many. I appeal to them not to impose on these men new and onerous burdens. We have all the information they can give us, and it will be passed on to the relatives concerned. If, therefore, relatives do not hear anything from us it is because there is unhappily nothing new to tell them.

Can my right hon. Friend say what is the position with regard to prisoners' parcels and mails?

I gave my hon. and gallant Friend a long answer on those points only last week.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the ships which are supposed to have left Vladivostock, with supplies, have actually sailed; and has he any information to give to the House with regard to the telegraphic service which he hoped to be able to fix up, and about which an announcement was made about a month ago?

I have nothing fresh beyond the information which I gave in answer to a Question last week by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox).

In view of the very deep feeling that exists throughout the country, would the Minister assure the House and those interested that every conceivable step is being taken by his Department, and by the Foreign Office, to protect and care for the interests of prisoners in Japanese hands?

I can certainly give that assurance. It is a very constant preoccupation not only of the War Office and Foreign Office, but of every other Government Department concerned, and of the American authorities.

As the Minister knows, many of the rescued men have been on leave and have given certain information to next-of-kin about relatives who have died. The War Office have told these men that they must not give that information and relatives are, therefore, to be left in a state of uncertainty. Can he say whether information to the next-of-kin is now to be given officially?

To the best of my recollection, yes, subject to this: The information we get from returned prisoners—there were only about 60 of them—is not passed on until a cross-check is applied. This is extremely important.

Could my right hon. Friend say what kind of cross-checks he is able to apply, and how long relatives have to wait before the Department hands on the information which is obtained?

I think that most of the information has already been passed on.

Are all the prisoners who have returned members of the Armed Forces, or were any of them civilian internees?

I think I am right in saying that the information I have given applies entirely to the camps for military personnel. As I said in my original answer last week, it does not apply to camps in the Northern part of the Far East theatre, or to civilians.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that sometimes the Foreign Office, sometimes the Secretary of State for War and sometimes the Minister of State make statements on questions relating to prisoners of war, he would consider setting apart one Minister whose sole preoccupation would be the interests of prisoners of war? I am sure it would give general satisfaction to relatives.

That does not arise now.

May I put this further point, Mr. Speaker, as it is one of some importance? Some rescued men have informed next-of-kin that they have taken part in the funerals of their comrades. Is that information waiting to be cross-checked, or has it been conveyed to the next-of-kin?

If it is easy to verify immediately, it is passed on immediately, but if there is any question about the identity of the individual concerned it is, of course, cross-checked.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, of the 1,000 houses authorised in the Spring of 1943 how many are occupied, how many completed but not occupied, how many roofed over and how many are still at later stages of construction; and the comparable figures for the 1,000 houses authorised in the Spring of 1944.

The figures asked for are as follow:

1943 Programme
Occupied	…	155
Completed but not occupied	…	5
Roofed over or at later stages	…	410
Not yet roofed over	…	372

1944 Programme
Occupied	…	7
Roofed over or at later stages	…	4
Not yet roofed over	…	619

Despite the acute shortage of building labour I am informed that all the local authorities who received an allocation under the 1944 programme have started building. One of the unfortunate causes of retardation is that it has been felt necessary to assist in the repair of flying-bomb damage in the South. 2,300 Scots craftsmen are there engaged.

While I appreciate the point that my right hon. Friend has made about the transfer of labour to meet the flying bomb damage, may I ask him to explain why, apparently, some 370 houses, authorised more than 20 months ago, are still not roofed over?

Does my hon. Friend mean the 1943 programme?

Certainly.

The answer is, obviously, shortage of labour. There is no other answer.

Is my right hon. Friend suggesting that the flying bomb emergency had anything to do with this 1943 programme?

No, Sir. It was the retardation of the 1944 programme to which I was referring, in relation to flying bomb activity.

Would it not have been better, if there is such a shortage of labour, to have completed the 1943 programme before starting the 1944 programme?

It is obvious that flying bomb damage did not arise until the 1944 programme had been started.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has now considered the memorial on the possibility of unemployment in the shipbuilding and engineering industries, forwarded to him by the Corporation of Greenock; and what action upon it he proposes to take.

I received last week the memorial referred to by my hon. Friend, and I understand that copies have been sent to other Ministers primarily concerned. The terms of the memorial have been noted, and will be considered in the application of the Government's plans for maintaining full employment.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he has taken to improve the recruitment, training, and education of entrants to the mining industry; and whether he will consider the appointment of a qualified person to undertake this national responsibility.

The question of recruitment and training of boys for the mining industry was examined fully in 1942 by Sir John Forster's Committee, and, so far as war conditions allow, the recommendations of that Committee have been adopted. My right hon. Friend has appointed a Chief Inspector of Training, with 18 inspectors stationed in the regions, and the provisions of the Coalmining (Training and Medical Examination) Order have been in force since 1st February, 1944. As regards recruitment and education, both for the present and for after the war, my officers are working in close touch with the Ministry of Labour and National Service, the Ministry of Education and the Scottish Education Department, but it is not possible, within the ambit of a Parliamentary Reply, to describe all the measures which are being taken and planned.

Is my hon. Friend working with three other Ministries? Am I to take it that he welcomes the advertisement by the Mining Association for an official such as I have described, with a salary of £2,000 a year, who is also to work with these other Departments; and who will be responsible?

I think that that appointment by the Mining Association is a matter for themselves. But, as I said, consultation with other Departments for post-war plans will arise largely out of the provisions of the Education Act.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that there is very little value in training and educating entrants to the mining industry while it remains in its present disorganised state? Does he not see the necessity for first taking over the mines, and reorganising them?

Personally, whatever the state of the mining industry happens to be, I think that the training and education which are taking place are invaluable.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will take steps to disclose confidentially to colliery managers and representatives of mineworkers in Great Britain the American Report on British Collieries.

No, Sir. Such a widespread distribution of the Report would not be consistent with the decision of the Government, announced by my right hon. Friend in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward) on 17th October.

As the Report has already been disclosed to a number of people, and no question of principle arises, could not the disclosure usefully be extended, in confidence, to more people engaged in the industry?

I am of the opinion that if you disclosed the terms of this Report to such a wide number of people as is suggested, it would be a secret no longer.

Can we not have a copy of the Report in the Library?

As the miners' leaders say that they have seen the Report, and as they use it for propaganda purposes, should not the mineowners also see the Report?

How is it possible for the coalmining industry to act on the recommendations of this Report if the Report is not available?

I appreciate that, but the decision not to publish was taken by the Government, for reasons given by my right hon. and gallant Friend some time ago.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on the position regarding coal being sent overseas to the war fronts, and the effect it is having on home distribution.

Coal is being shipped overseas to the war fronts to meet operational needs and essential civilian needs, as determined by the military authorities, in so far as these cannot be met from indigenous production. In addition, some opencast coal is being shipped to North Africa. Provided rigorous economy in the use of fuel is exercised by consumers in this country, I consider that the assistance we are giving to our Forces overseas can be met, in addition to meeting our minimum home demands.

Ought not the public to be made aware where the coal is going? The continued restrictions are hitting householders very hard, and they should know what is happening to the coal.

Although I cannot give quantities and places at the moment, it can be said that no coal is going overseas except what is absolutely essential.

Is it not the fact that coal is being sent to the war front, and stones are being reserved for the home front?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance that every effort will be made to state early in 1945 their decision as regards export credits; and issue a statement showing their proposals to finalise long-term trading arrangements with Russia and other countries which need them.

As I have already stated, a Bill to extend export credit facilities will be introduced in the New Year, and this, no doubt, will afford an opportunity for the discussion of the other matters mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the sooner the better? These matters cannot be allowed to drift. The matter is vitally urgent, and calls for action forthwith.

Nothing is drifting. The Bill is ready to be introduced, as soon as the Business of the House allows.

Does my right hon. Friend suggest that nothing ever drifts at the Board of Trade? It is drifting all the while.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can see his way to reducing the number of coupons for uniform required for uniform staff of the R.A. associations and other associations, such as the Corps of Commissionaires, in view of the requirements of men discharged from the Forces and the wearing out of old uniforms.

I regret that, in view of the present shortage of supplies, I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. I have made special arrangements for Servicemen to get coupons in order to equip themselves with civilian clothing on their discharge from the Forces.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, while he and I can wear out our old clothes, these men, in the nature of their calling, have to be smartly dressed?

I am doing the best I can with the very limited supplies that are available. I will certainly bear the case in mind, although I cannot do more at the moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that manufacturers of school clothing are prevented from supplying girls' headwear, berets, unless an overcoat to match is supplied with each article; and whether he will rescind the Order responsible for this state of affairs.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Sir A. Maitland) on 27th October last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that manufacturers of school clothing are no longer able to make blazers without lined sleeves except in a material which is unsuitable and, at present, unobtainable; and whether he will rescind this Regulation, which makes obligatory the use of extra material which is not necessary.

Special utility cloth, similar to that in general use before the war, is made in two qualities for school children's blazers, the sleeves of which need not be lined. There is no shortage of either of these two cloths.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the announcement of the British Celanese dividend was not accompanied by a statement of profits, with the result that a false market in the shares was created to the detriment of the general public; and if he will ask the Cohen Committee to consider this subject with a view to the amendment of the law.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the declaration of a dividend of 15 per cent. on the ordinary shares, the first in 25 years, by the board of the British Celanese Company 10 days in advance of publication of particulars of profits earned with the explanation that the rate of dividend could only be paid on account of a rebate of excess profits tax, thereby causing wide fluctuations in the share quotations; and if, to prevent a repetition of the occurrence, he will implement the recommendations of the Stock Exchange Committee made in 1938 by enforcing the simultaneous publication of profit figures with a declaration of dividends by all public companies.

My attention has been drawn to this matter. I regard it as most unfortunate and regrettable that this company failed to comply with the recommendations of the Stock Exchange Committee. Action of this kind, which misleads the public, or withholds information which the public have a right to expect, cannot be justified. It is not, however, an offence against the law as it now stands. But I have asked Mr. Justice Cohen's Committee to take account of this incident in framing their report.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask if he will request the appropriate authorities to investigate, and to ascertain whether this was a deliberate attempt to deceive and deprive the public of their money; and, if it was, will he give consideration to the question of a prosecution for conspiracy?

I have expressed my view on the matter clearly, I hope, and I have also asked Mr. Justice Cohen's Committee to look into it. I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I am doubtful whether we shall get much further by pursuing the line suggested.

Is the Minister aware that this is a classic example of an opportunity for manipulation of share markets, to their own advantage, by a board of directors at the expense of the public?

Will my right hon. Friend say whether he is really concerned about the public interest in this matter? Was not a very limited public affected—people who speculate on the Stock Exchange and who have been caught napping on this occasion—and why should he express undue sympathy with such people?

Because, on the whole, straight dealing is better than crooked dealing.

May I ask the Minister whether he is aware that no directors on the board of British Celanese during this period either bought or sold any shares whatever?

Of course I have no knowledge of any transactions of the directors of this company.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that owing to the shortage of spare parts there is a prolonged delay in repairing hearing aids; and if he will release a greater quantity of an improved quality for civilian use.

I regret that there have been delays in repairs, due, in the first place, to the heavy and ever-increasing Service demands for valves, and, in the second place, to the fact that some manufacturers, contrary to the advice of the Board of Trade, have made new sets with valves needed for repairing old ones. As regards batteries, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave on 7th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie).

May I ask if the Minister is doing anything to improve a situation which he recognises is so bad?

We are looking at it from every direction, but skilled labour is very short.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the importance of design in post-war planning for industry, he is taking steps to encourage good design in British industry.

Yes, Sir. I have appointed a Council of Industrial Design to promote by all practicable means the improvement of design in the products of British industry. I have also appointed, after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, a Scottish Committee of the Council. I am glad to say that Sir Thomas Barlow has consented to become Chairman of the Council and Sir Steven Bilsland, Chairman of the Scottish Committee. Industries will be invited to set up Design Centres to study and encourage the improvement of design of their own products. The Government propose to make financial grants to these Centres on the recommendation of the new Council. Provision will be made for the expenses of the Council and for the grants to the Design Centres in the Estimates to be introduced this Session. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the members of the Council and of the Scottish Committee, and a copy of a letter which I have addressed to the Chairman defining the functions of the Council.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether practising designers will be represented on that Council—for instance, the Society of Industrial Artists?

Nobody is represented in the strict sense, but I have, in fact, put several practising designers on the Council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what lines and with what object he is compiling a census of retail shopkeepers.

No such census is yet being compiled, but I am discussing with a number of trade organisations the possibility of taking a census of distribution after the war.

In view of the acute anxiety felt by these people, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they will be able to continue in business; and will he endeavour to prepare the census at the earliest possible time? Is it possible now to state on what lines it is proposed to take the census?

No one need feel any concern or anxiety about this matter, because, in any case, it will not be possible to take action until matters settle down after the war, but it would be valuable to have this information, as the United States has found.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the policy of his Department to ensure that, as increased productive capacity becomes available for manufacture for export, requirements of spare parts for British engines in neutral countries will be fully provided for, before facilities are given and export licences are granted for the export of spare parts required for engines of foreign manufacture not in service for the war effort.

Export licences are now issued only for spare parts for British engines, but our aim should be to meet all demands for the export of spare parts, as soon as circumstances permit. Meanwhile, I am discussing future licensing arrangements with the Export Group concerned.

May we take it from that answer that priority for spare parts for British engines will be maintained?

I would rather not say more than I have said to-day, because we are discussing it with those concerned and I am anxious to get their views.